JP2024051996A - Paper sheet handling device, game machine management device using the paper sheet handling device, and method for indicating deterioration level of the paper sheet handling device - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a paper handling device and a game machine management device in which a drive unit is replaced before the end of its operating life. [Solution] A paper handling device (1) includes a validator (2) that validates the authenticity of paper sheets, a validator transport path (10) formed within the validator (2), and a drive unit (13) that is detachably mounted within the validator (2). The drive unit (13) transports paper sheets within the validator (2) along the validator transport path (10). The drive unit (13) includes a drive sensor (24) that detects physical values within the drive unit (13), and a physical property storage device (25) that stores the physical values detected by the drive sensor (24). The physical values within the drive unit (13) are retrieved from the physical property storage device (25) to display the degree of deterioration of the drive unit (13). [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a paper handling device equipped with a drive unit that can be replaced before it breaks down, a game machine management device that uses the paper handling device, and a method for indicating the deterioration level of the paper handling device.

The applicant for this patent is the patentee of Patent No. 5,484,866, shown in this specification as Patent Document 1, and has been producing and selling paper handling devices based on this patent for many years. However, when this paper handling device breaks down, the game machine in which the paper handling device is built cannot be operated until repairs are completed, and revenue from the operation of the game machine cannot be obtained. The main cause of failure of the paper handling device is deterioration accompanying the operation of the drive unit that constitutes the operating part of the paper handling device, and once the drive unit breaks down, the game machine using the paper handling device cannot be operated until the drive unit is replaced. The paper handling device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the advantage that the drive unit, the discrimination device, and the storage device are configured as separate units, and each unit can be easily separated, removed, assembled, maintained, inspected, and replaced, and has the advantage that the drive unit can be easily replaced and maintained by removing the integrated drive unit that is removably built in from the paper handling device.

Patent document 2 shows an automatic banknote deposit and withdrawal device in which a memory (storage device) that stores the type of cassette is provided in each temporary storage cassette and replenishment/recovery cassette, and the control unit receives information from each memory via a connector and recognizes the type of cassette from the memory information.

Patent No. 5,484,866 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-27274

When the drive unit of the paper sheet handling device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used continuously, it is not possible to recognize its deterioration state or predict when a failure or malfunction will occur. Usually, the drive unit suddenly breaks down or malfunctions, causing the paper sheet handling device itself to become inoperable or to operate abnormally. When the drive unit breaks down, the paper sheet handling device and the game machine to which the paper sheet handling device is attached cannot be operated, and the paper sheet handling device and the game machine cannot be used until the drive unit that operates normally is replaced, which is problematic in that it is not possible to expect an increase in revenue from the operation of the game machine, and it is not possible to reduce the downtime of the paper sheet handling device and the game machine.
Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a paper sheet handling device that can recognize the degree of deterioration or the time for replacement of a drive unit that needs to be replaced, a game machine management device that utilizes the paper sheet handling device, and a method for displaying the degree of deterioration of a paper sheet handling device.

The paper handling device (1) of the present invention comprises a validator (2) for validating the authenticity of paper sheets, a validator conveying path (10) formed within the validator (2), and a drive unit (13) removably mounted within the validator (2). Each part of the drive unit (13), which conveys paper sheets within the validator (2) along the validator conveying path (10), deteriorates stepwise or gradually as the drive unit (13) operates, resulting in a decrease in quality, performance, or function. Therefore, the drive unit (13) comprises one or more drive sensors (24) for detecting physical values related to the quality, performance, or function of the drive unit (13), and a physical property storage device (25) for storing the physical values detected by the drive sensor (24). The amount of change in the physical value from the drive sensor (24) represents the degree of deterioration of the drive unit (13). By constantly, periodically, or when necessary, searching for, extracting, and displaying the physical values stored in the physical property storage device (25), it is possible to objectively grasp the degree of deterioration in the quality, performance, or function of the drive unit (13).

The paper handling device, the game machine management device using the paper handling device, and the method for indicating the deterioration level of the paper handling device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
1 is a cross-sectional view of a paper handling device according to the present invention; FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which a drive unit is removed from a validator of a paper handling device; 1 is a bottom view of a drive unit used in a paper handling device according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a timing encoder of the drive unit; A cross-sectional view showing a state in which a drive unit is attached to the authentication device. Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the drive unit Graph showing failure rate curve characteristics of drive units

The paper sheet handling device, game machine management device, and paper sheet handling device deterioration level display method of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7. The terms "paper sheets" and "paper sheets" used in this specification should be understood in a broad sense to include all valuable paper sheets, such as banknotes, paper or resin currency, coupons, substitute notes, securities, and scrips.

Basic configuration of the present invention The paper handling device (1) according to the embodiment of the present invention is an improvement of the mechanical and electrical configurations of the drive unit (13) of the conventional paper handling device shown in Patent Document 1. The mechanical and electrical configurations of the drive unit (13) used in the paper handling device of the present invention are different from those in Patent Document 1, but the validator (2), validator conveyor path (10), and storage device (3) except for the drive unit (13) have the same configurations and functions as those in Patent Document 1. The drive unit (13) of the present invention includes a drive sensor (24) that detects physical values related to aging or deterioration of the quality, performance, or function of the drive unit (13), and a physical property storage device (25) that selects and stores the physical values detected by the drive sensor (24), and has an excellent effect of being able to objectively grasp the state of aging or deterioration of the quality, performance, or function of the drive unit (13). The embodiment of the present invention described in this specification can use the configurations of the conventional validator and storage device shown in Patent Document 1 except for the drive unit (13), and the contents of Patent Document 1 can be applied to this specification as they are.

The paper handling device (1) shown in FIG. 1 includes a validator (2) that validates the authenticity of paper such as banknotes and coupons, a validator transport path (10) formed within the validator (2), and a drive unit (13) that transports paper within the validator (2) along the validator transport path (10). The drive unit (13) includes a validator transport device (5) that transports paper inserted into the validator (2) along the validator transport path (10), and a pusher device (7) that stores paper transported along the validator transport path (10) by the validator transport device (5) in the storage device (3). The drive unit (13) has a bottom cover (13a) shown in FIG. 2 that covers the bottom surface of the drive unit (13).

The validator (2) shown in Fig. 1 includes a validator sensor (11) that generates a detection signal representing the optical characteristics of paper sheets transported along a validator transport path (10) by a drive unit (13), and a judging device (12) (Fig. 6) that receives the detection signal from the validator sensor (11) and judges the authenticity of the paper sheets. The validator sensor (11) that generates the detection signal forming an optical image of the paper sheets is, for example, composed of a contact image sensor (CIS) that acquires optical image data of the paper sheets moving along the validator transport path (10). When the optical image data acquired by the discrimination sensor (11) is compared with the genuine paper optical image data and the determination device (12) determines that the paper is genuine, the paper is transported by the drive belt (36) of the discrimination and transport device (5) through the discrimination and transport path (10) to the storage device (3), and then by the storage and transport device (6) to the waiting room (61a) of the storage room (79), and is then stored from the waiting room (61a) to the storage room (79) by the pushing device (62). When the storage room (79) is full of paper, the facility manager separates the full storage device (3) from the paper handling device (1) and collects the paper in the storage room (79).

The drive unit (13) whose mechanical configuration is shown in FIG. 3 includes a conveying motor (701) constituting the classification conveying device (5) that conveys the paper sheets inserted into the classification device (2) along the classification conveying path (10), and a pushing motor (702) constituting the pushing device (7) that pushes the paper sheets conveyed to the storage device (3) into the storage chamber (79) of the storage device (3). Please refer to Patent Document 1 for the specific configuration and operation of the classification conveying device (5) and the pushing device (7) in which the conveying motor (701) and the pushing motor (702) convey the paper sheets and push them into the storage device (3) via the power transmission device (8). In the embodiment of the present invention, the structure of Patent Document 1 is fundamentally different in that a plurality of conveying sensors (241-246) detect various physical values related to the quality, performance, or function of the classification conveying device (5) including the conveying motor (701) and the power transmission device (8) and generate a conveying log that quantifies, scores, or grades the detected physical values.

The classification conveying device (5) includes a reversible drive type conveying motor (701) capable of forward and reverse rotation, a pinion (23) fixed to the drive shaft of the conveying motor (701), a power transmission device (8) drivingly connected to the pinion (23), and a drive belt (36) operated via the pinion (23) of the conveying motor (701) and the power transmission device (8). Unlike the structure of the classification conveying device of Patent Document 1, the drive belt (36) includes a front drive belt (361) that rotates the entrance roller (46) at the front center of the classification conveying path (10) to convey paper sheets, and a pair of rear drive belts (362) that convey paper sheets at the rear of the classification conveying path (10). The front drive belt (361) and the rear drive belt (362) are driven by the conveying motor (701) via the power transmission device (8). The inlet roller (46) may be rotated via a gear that meshes with a gear rotated by the front drive belt (361).

As with the structure of Patent Document 1, the paper handling device (1) includes a storage device (3) that stores paper sheets transported along the classification transport path (10), and the drive unit (13) includes a storage transport device (6) that stores paper sheets in a storage chamber (79) of the storage device (3). The embodiment of the present invention is fundamentally different from the structure of Patent Document 1 in that multiple storage sensors (251-256) detect various physical values related to the quality, performance, or function of the pushing device (7) including the pushing motor (702) and the power transmission device (8) and generate a storage log that quantifies, scores, or grades the detected physical values.

Figure 6 shows the electrical configuration of the drive unit (13) used in the present invention. The conventional drive unit shown in Patent Document 1 does not naturally have the electrical configuration of the drive unit (13) used in the present invention. The classification conveying device (5) is equipped with a timing encoder (45) that is rotated by the front drive belt (361) that rotates the entrance roller (46) to measure the rotation time of the conveying motor (701) and generate a conveying measurement signal. The timing encoder (45) that measures the rotation time of the conveying motor (701) can measure the rotation speed and number of rotations of the conveying motor (701). The entrance roller (46), which is rotated by the front drive belt (361) or rotated via a gear (not shown) that rotates in conjunction with the front drive belt (361), conveys paper sheets inserted into the entrance (14) of the classification conveying path (10) along the classification conveying path (10).

In this way, the timing encoder (45) and the inlet roller (46) are driven by the front drive belt (361). The physical property storage device (25), which is also connected to the timing encoder (45), stores the operation time of the drive unit (13) measured by the timing encoder (45) as well as the drive log from the multiple transport sensors (241-246). The multiple transport sensors (241-246) detect various physical values related to the quality, performance, or function of the classification transport device (5), including the transport motor (701) and the power transmission device (8), generate a storage log that quantifies, scores, or grades the physical values detected by the transport sensors (241-246), and store the log in the physical property storage device (25), which is fundamentally different from the structure of Patent Document 1.

As shown in the electrical configuration of the drive unit in Fig. 6, the various drive sensors (24) that measure the physical quantities of the conveying motor (701) and the pushing motor (702), the discrimination sensor (11), and the timing encoder (45) are all connected to the physical property storage device (25), and the physical quantities detected by the drive sensors (24) are sorted by the physical property storage device (25), and each physical quantity is stored in a required memory area together with the time signal measured by the timing encoder (45). In addition, the optical image signal of the paper obtained by the discrimination sensor (11) is sent to the judgment device (12), which judges the authenticity of the paper. Paper that the judgment device (12) judges to be authentic from the optical image signal is sent to the storage room (79) by the discrimination and conveyance device (5) and the storage and conveyance device (6).

When the optical image signal of the paper sheet is insufficient, the judgment device (12) reverses the classification conveying device (5) to return the paper sheet to the entrance side along the classification conveying path (10), and rotates the classification conveying device (5) forward again to convey the paper sheet along the classification sensor (11), so that the physical property memory device (25) counts the number of reclassifications for which paper sheet classification is performed again. The paper sheet handling device (1) or the drive unit (13) is connected to the terminal search device (401) of the central management device (300) via a connection device (25a) such as a USB interface, and the physical quantities stored in the physical property memory device (25) are read out to the terminal search device (401). The central management device (300) includes a computer such as a server and related peripheral devices. FIG. 6 merely illustrates the drive sensor (24) that detects the physical values of the conveying motor (701) and the pushing motor (702) of the drive unit (13).

Each drive sensor (24) constantly, periodically, or when necessary detects the physical values of the components of the drive unit (13) in analog or digital quantities, and transmits the retrieved physical values to the physical property storage device (25), which stores the received physical values in a specified storage area. When each drive sensor (24) detects a physical value in the drive unit (13), it converts the analog quantity into a digital quantity and transmits it to the physical property storage device (25) as a drive log that quantifies, scores, or grades the detected digital physical value in the drive unit (13), and the physical property storage device (25) stores the received drive log in a specified storage area. The physical property storage device (25) also stores the transport log and storage log as drive logs, together with the operating times of the transport motor (701) and the push motor (702) measured by the timing encoder (45). The physical values detected by the drive unit (13) that are quantified, scored, or graded are stored in the physical property storage device (25) after being classified into raw raw values detected by the drive sensor (24), ratios to a reference value, or multiple predetermined stages or levels.

Instead of each drive sensor (24) converting the physical value of an analog quantity into a digital quantity or digital value and transmitting the detected physical value of the digital quantity in the drive unit (13) to the physical property storage device (25) as a drive log that quantifies, scores, or grades the physical value, each drive sensor (24) can transmit the detected physical value of an analog quantity directly to the physical property storage device (25), and the physical property storage device (25) can convert the received physical value of an analog quantity into a digital quantity and convert it into a drive log that quantifies, scores, or grades the physical value of the digital quantity, and store it.

The physical property storage device (25) stores a transport log or a storage log as a drive log together with the operating times of the transport motor (701) and the push motor (702) measured by the timing encoder (45). The physical property storage device (25) stores the drive log detected by the drive sensor (24) and at the same time stores unique identification information such as a serial number that identifies each drive unit (13) or each paper handling device (1). When a request signal is received from the input device (405) of the central management device (300), the physical property storage device (25) transmits the stored drive log and unique identification information to the terminal search device (400) via the connection device (25a) after a certain period of time has elapsed or automatically, and causes the terminal search device (400) to store the drive log and unique identification information.

The central management unit (300), which receives the drive log and unique identification information transmitted from the connection unit (25a), converts the physical values detected from the drive unit (13) into a score. The central management unit (300) converts each physical value, such as the time elapsed since the date of the last replacement or maintenance inspection of the drive unit (13) of the classification and conveyance device (5) or the storage and conveyance device (6), the number of operations, the total number of operations, the maximum temperature during operation, the number of times operation was stopped, and the paper conveyance accuracy (conveyance unevenness), into a score, and transmits the score to the central storage device (403) where it is stored. If the total score of each physical value of the classification and conveyance device (5) or the storage and conveyance device (6) falls outside a predetermined range, the characteristic comparison device (402) of the central management unit (300) determines that at least one of the classification and conveyance device (5) or the storage and conveyance device (6) may have a future failure, and the central management unit (300) generates a warning signal or notifies the administrator of the need to replace or maintain the drive unit (13).

For example, assuming that the total physical value of a new drive unit (13) is 100 points and the total physical value of the drive unit (13) detected when a malfunction occurs is 70 points, the central management device (300) notifies the manager of the need to replace or perform maintenance inspection of the drive unit (13) when the total physical value of the drive unit (13) after use drops to 80 points. If an operator replaces the drive unit (13) in response to the notification, the actual occurrence of a malfunction of the drive unit (13) can be prevented. For example, when the maximum temperature of the operating conveying motor (701) or pushing motor (702) exceeds 90°C or the average temperature exceeds 80°C, the total physical value of the drive unit (13) is deducted. In addition, the total physical value of the drive unit (13) is deducted according to the increase in the elapsed time, the number of operations, the total number of operations, and the number of times the operation is stopped. Furthermore, if the total number of rotations of the conveying motor (701) or the pushing motor (702) exceeds 500,000 since the time of shipment of the paper handling device (1) or the last time the drive unit (13) was replaced, the total physical value of the drive unit (13) will be deducted.

Alternatively, a characteristic comparison device (402) can be used to calculate the replacement time or replacement priority of the drive unit (13) using an algorithm that converts statistics. When the central management device (300) receives the drive log and unique identification information transmitted by the connection device (25a), the characteristic comparison device (402) compares the drive log received by the central management device (300) with the failure rate curve characteristic of the drive unit (13) stored in the central storage device (403). The characteristic comparison device (402) determines which position on the failure rate curve characteristic of the drive unit (13) corresponds to the current deterioration level of the drive log received, and calculates the latest replacement time or the remaining time or remaining number of days until the replacement time of the drive unit (13) that will reach 80% of the wear amount (deterioration level) before the wear failure period of the total operating time from the corresponding deterioration level position on the failure rate curve characteristic, and displays the calculated latest replacement time on the display device (404).

On the other hand, when the central management device (300) receives the drive log and unique identification information transmitted by the connection device (25a), the characteristic comparison device (402) substitutes the drive log indicating the current deterioration level received by the central management device (300) into the failure rate approximation function of the drive unit (13) stored in the central storage device (403), and the characteristic comparison device (402) calculates the closest replacement time or the remaining time or remaining days until the replacement time of the drive unit (13) that will reach 80% of the wear amount (deterioration level) before the wear failure period of the total operating time from the corresponding position of the deterioration level on the failure rate approximation function, and displays the calculated closest replacement time on the display device (404).

The amount of change in the physical value from the drive sensor (24) represents the change over time, i.e., the degree of deterioration, of the drive unit (13), which is displayed on the horizontal axis of the failure rate curve characteristic. The physical property memory device (25) has a built-in vibrator or oscillator circuit that generates a time (clock) signal, and has the function of calculating the duration, speed, and acceleration of the physical values from the drive sensor (24) based on the clock signal generated by the oscillator circuit. Unique identification information that identifies the drive unit (13) or paper handling device (1) to which the physical property memory device (25) is attached, and the past maintenance and inspection history of the drive unit (13) to be repaired or inspected are also stored in the physical property memory device (25).

Unlike the structure of Patent Document 1, the drive sensor (24) shown in FIG. 6 of the classification conveying device (5) according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a conveying counter (241) that counts the operation time of the conveying motor (701) and transmits the counted time signal to the physical property memory device (25), an overcurrent detection resistor or conveying ammeter (242) that counts the current value and the number of overcurrents flowing through the conveying motor (701) for each operation of the conveying motor (701) and transmits the counted signals of the high current value, the high current time, and the number of high current times to the physical property memory device (25), and a conveying temperature sensor (243) that measures the environmental temperature of the conveying motor (701) and its high temperature duration for each operation of the conveying motor (701) and transmits the counted digital signals of the environmental temperature, the high temperature duration, and the number of high temperature times to the physical property memory device (25).

The drive sensor (24) further includes a transport timer (244) that counts the total operation time and the number of operations required for the operation of the transport motor (701) for each operation of the transport motor (701) and transmits the counted digital signals to the physical property storage device (25) as a drive log, a storage acceleration sensor (245) such as a quartz acceleration sensor that counts the low acceleration and the number of low accelerations of the transport motor (701) for each operation of the transport motor (701) and transmits the counted digital signals to the physical property storage device (25) as a drive log, and a storage speed sensor (246) that counts the rotation speed of the transport motor (701) for each operation of the transport motor (701) and transmits the counted digital speed signals to the physical property storage device (25) as a drive log.

As with the conveying motor (701), the driving sensor (24) in FIG. 6 provided on the pushing motor (702) includes a storage counter (251) that counts the operation time of the pushing motor (702) for each operation of the conveying motor (701) and transmits the counted digital time signal to the physical property storage device (25) as a driving log, an overcurrent detection resistor and storage ammeter (252) that counts the current value and the number of overcurrents flowing through the pushing motor (702) for each operation of the conveying motor (701) and transmits the counted digital signals of the high current value, the high current time, and the number of high current times to the physical property storage device (25) as a driving log, and a storage temperature sensor (253) that measures the temperature and the high temperature duration to measure the environmental temperature of the pushing motor (702) for each operation of the conveying motor (701) and transmits the counted digital signals of the environmental temperature, the high temperature duration, and the number of high temperature times to the physical property storage device (25) as a driving log.

The drive sensor (24) also includes a storage timer (254) that counts the total operating time and the number of times the push motor (702) is operated for each operation of the push motor (702) and transmits the counted digital signals to the physical property storage device (25) as a drive log; a storage acceleration sensor (255) such as a quartz acceleration sensor that counts the motor's low acceleration and the number of times each operation of the push motor (702) and transmits the counted digital signals to the physical property storage device (25) as a drive log; and a storage speed sensor (256) that counts the rotation speed of the push motor (702) for each operation of the push motor (702) and transmits the counted digital speed signal to the physical property storage device (25) as a drive log.

For example, a known temperature measuring device that displays the change in electrical resistance or current value due to the temperature change of each motor winding of the conveying motor (701) and the pushing motor (702) as a digital signal can be used as the conveying/storage temperature sensor (241, 245). In short, the operating time of the conveying motor (701) and the pushing motor (702) is measured by counting the clock (time) signal generated by the timing encoder (45). The physical property memory device (25) stores the operating time of the drive unit (13) measured by the timing encoder (45) as well as the driving log from the drive sensor (24).

Therefore, the conveying/storage temperature sensor (243, 253) detects the temperatures of the conveying motor (701) and the pushing motor (702) each time the distinguishing conveying device (5) and the pushing device (7) are operated, generates a conveying detection signal in which the detected temperature is converted into a digital signal, and sends it to the physical property storage device (25) for storage. The temperature value converted into a digital signal is displayed as a driving log that is quantified, scored, or graded, and stored in the physical property storage device (25). The conveying/storage speed sensor (243, 253) detects the rotation speed of the conveying motor (701) and the pushing motor (702) each time the distinguishing conveying device (5) and the pushing device (7) are operated, generates a speed detection signal in which the detected rotation speed is converted into a digital signal, and sends it to the physical property storage device (25) for storage. The speed detection signal converted into a digital signal is displayed as a driving log that is quantified, scored, or graded, and stored in the physical property storage device (25). It should be noted that the decrease in the physical value from the transport/storage speed sensor (242, 246), i.e., the speed detection signal converted into a digital signal, represents the degree of deterioration of the drive unit (13).

The main cause of failure of the drive unit (13) is believed to be the following aging, i.e., deterioration, of the moving parts constituting the conveying motor (701) or the pushing motor (702) and the power transmission device (8). Therefore, the method of replacing the drive unit (13) before failure will be discussed below for each cause of deterioration.
1. Wear and tear over the total operating time;
2. Fatigue failure caused by repeated operation.
3. Overcurrent damage caused by repeated overloads,
4. Heat damage in high temperature environments.
5. Abnormal slowdown in operation speed.
6. Abnormally slow movement acceleration,
7. Cogging of mechanical sliding parts

Wear failure of the sliding parts of the conveying motor (701) or the pushing motor (702) occurs due to wear over the total operating time of each conveying and storing motor (701, 702), and the amount of wear of each conveying and storing motor (701, 702) until a wear failure occurs is considered to be proportional to the total operating time of each conveying and storing motor (701, 702). Therefore, the conveying and storing counters (241, 245) count the operating time of each conveying motor (701) and pushing motor (702) and transmit the counted time signal to the physical property storage device (25). The physical property storage device (25) calculates and stores the total operating time of each conveying and storing motor (701, 702).

Figure 7 shows a bathtub curve characteristic or failure rate curve characteristic, with the vertical axis representing the failure rate of the drive unit (13) and the horizontal axis representing the total operating time or total number of operations of the machine. The illustrated failure rate curve characteristic is composed of three periods in time series: the early failure period, the random failure period, and the wear-out failure period. In this specification, we focus on the point (T) at which the failure rate rises sharply in the latter half of the random failure period, where the failure rate increases sharply toward the wear-out failure period, without considering the early failure period, which guarantees the quality of the drive unit (13), and the stable random failure period, where stable continuous operation is expected.

For example, if it is empirically determined from experimental values or repair activities that the conveying motor (701) or the pushing motor (702) equipped with a sliding part reaches a failure rate rise point (T) corresponding to 500 hours at 90% of the total operating time and transitions from the random failure period to the wear-out failure period, a warning signal can be generated from the physical property storage device (25) at 400 hours, when the wear amount (degree of deterioration) of the total operating time of each conveying and storage motor (701, 702) reaches 80% before the wear-out failure period, to notify the manager of the need to replace the drive unit (13). In any case, the failure rate rise point (T) represented by the failure rate curve characteristic or failure rate approximation function is used as the basis for setting the time to replace the drive unit (13) at a time just before 70% to 90%, and when the time to replace the drive unit (13) is reached, an acoustic or visual warning can be generated from the warning device connected to the physical property storage device (25) as a warning signal from the physical property storage device (25). Assuming that the components of the paper validator (1) other than the drive unit (13) do not suffer from wear, fatigue, or thermal damage, and that failures rarely occur, after the drive unit (13) is replaced, the failure rate curve characteristics of the paper validator (1) will return to the original installation point.

Fatigue Accumulation Even under low load conditions, fatigue due to a decrease in material allowable stress caused by repeated operation accumulates in the conveying motor (701) or the pushing motor (702), which may cause a fatigue failure. Fatigue failure of each conveying and storing motor (701, 702) occurs depending on the cumulative number of operations, and similar to the failure rate curve characteristics shown in Figure 7, the amount of fatigue accumulated in each conveying and storing motor (701, 702) until a fatigue failure occurs is considered to be proportional to the cumulative number of repeated operations of each conveying and storing motor (701, 702). Therefore, the conveying and storing counters (241, 245) or another counter count the number of operations of each of the conveying motor (701) and the pushing motor (702), and transmit the counted operation number signal to the physical property storage device (25). The physical property storage device (25) calculates and stores the cumulative number of operations time of each conveying and storing motor (701, 702). It is empirically assumed that fatigue damage will occur when the cumulative number of operations of each transport/storage motor (701, 702) reaches, for example, 500,000 times. When the cumulative number of operations of each transport/storage motor (701, 702) reaches 400,000 times, which is 80% of the wear amount, a warning signal can be generated from the physical property memory device (25) to urge the manager to replace the drive unit (13).

Damage from overcurrent If a part is deformed due to some reason, the smooth operation of the drive unit (13) is hindered, and a large load is generated during operation due to the deformation of the part, and an overcurrent may flow to the conveying motor (701) or the pushing motor (702). If an overcurrent flows frequently, the conveying motor (701) or the pushing motor (702) may be overheated or the electronic parts may be thermally destroyed or broken down due to the discharge of the destructive current caused by the overcurrent, and the conveying motor (701) or the pushing motor (702) may break down. Therefore, the overcurrent detection resistor and conveying/storing ammeter (242, 246) that counts the high current value, high current time, and high current number of times detects and counts the current value, high current duration, and number of overcurrent loads of the overcurrent flowing through the conveying motor (701) or the pushing motor (702), and transmits the detected and counted signals of the high current value, high current duration, and high current number of times to the physical property memory device (25). The physical property storage device (25) calculates and stores the high current value, high current time, and high current count of the conveying motor (701) or the pushing motor (702). When the current value flowing through the conveying motor (701) or the pushing motor (702) is, for example, 10 amperes or more, the current flow time exceeds 3 seconds, and the current flow count exceeds 5 times, and it is determined that there is a risk of thermal destruction or breakdown due to high current in the components, the physical property storage device (25) generates a warning signal to urge the manager to replace the drive unit (13).

Thermal Damage in High-Temperature Environments When resin-encapsulated electronic components mounted on the transport motor (701) or the push-in motor (702) are exposed to high temperatures of 120°C or higher, the semiconductor chips built in as electronic components may be thermally destroyed or broken down, and may not function as intended. For this reason, the transport/storage temperature sensors (243, 247) that measure the environmental temperature in which the transport motor (701) or the push-in motor (702) is installed and measure the duration of high temperature count the environmental temperature, duration of high temperature count, and number of high temperature counts every time the transport/push-in motor (701, 702) is operated, and transmit the signals of the counted environmental temperature, duration of high temperature count, and number of high temperature counts to the physical property storage device (25). The physical property storage device (25) calculates and stores the counted environmental temperature, duration of high temperature count, and number of high temperature counts. For example, if a high temperature of 120°C or above occurs more than three times for 30 seconds or more, it can be determined that there is a risk of thermal destruction or breakdown of electronic components due to the high temperature environment, and a warning signal can be generated from the physical property memory device (25) to urge the administrator to replace the drive unit (13).

The operating speed of the drive unit (13) may decrease due to a specific cause of the decrease in operating speed or due to a combination of deterioration. For example, if sticky substances attached to the paper sheets conveyed along the classification conveying path (10) adhere to a part of the classification conveying device (5) or the storage conveying device (6) or if foreign matter is mixed in, the operating performance of the drive unit (13) will be significantly decreased. Therefore, the conveying and storing timers (244, 248) that count the total operating time required for the operation of the conveying motor (701) or the pushing motor (702) and the number of times of operation are counted, and the counted signals are sent to the physical property storage device (25). The physical property storage device (25) calculates and stores the counted low operating speed and the number of times of low operating speed of the conveying and pushing motors (701, 702). When a predetermined number of times of low operating speed is counted, the physical property storage device (25) generates a warning signal to urge the administrator to replace the drive unit (13).

For example, when a user of the paper handling device (1) spills a viscous liquid such as a beverage at the entrance (14) of the sorting and conveying passage (10), the viscous liquid adheres to the sorting and conveying device (5), the storage and conveying device (6), the pushing device (7) or the power transmission device (8), causing the conveying speed of the conveying push motors (701, 702) to slow down or fluctuate. The central management device (300) constantly monitors the fluctuations in the conveying speed of the conveying push motors (701, 702), and when the conveying push motors (701, 702) do not operate at a predetermined speed, it determines that a viscous liquid has adhered to the sorting and conveying device (5) and generates a warning signal or notifies the administrator to replace the drive unit (13). In addition, when foreign matter such as dust or sand enters the classification conveying passage (10) from the entrance (14) of the classification conveying passage (10), the conveying speed of the conveying push motors (701, 702) fluctuates due to adhesion or accumulation of the foreign matter on the power transmission device (8). Multiple conveying sensors (241-246) quantify the conveying delay due to the foreign matter, monitor the increase in the conveying load, and issue a warning signal or notify the administrator to replace the drive unit (13).

The acceleration of the drive unit (13) may decrease due to deformation of components that reduce the operating acceleration , or for other reasons, and the rotational force required to transport or store the paper sheets may decrease. Therefore, a transport/storage acceleration sensor (245, 255), such as a quartz acceleration sensor, is used to count the low acceleration of the transport/push motor (701, 702) and the number of such occurrences, and the counted signals are sent to the physical property memory device (25). The physical property memory device (25) calculates and stores the counted low acceleration of the motor and the number of such occurrences. When a predetermined number of low operating speeds have been counted, the physical property memory device (25) generates a warning signal to notify the manager of the need to replace the drive unit (13).

The transport/storage acceleration sensors (245, 255) detect the acceleration of the transport motor (701) and the push motor (702), convert the detected acceleration into a digital signal to generate an acceleration detection signal each time the sorting/transport device (5) and the push device (7) are operated, and send it to the physical property storage device (25) for storage as a drive log. The acceleration signal converted into a digital signal is displayed as a drive log that is quantified, scored, or graded, and stored in the physical property storage device (25). The physical value from the transport/storage acceleration sensors (243, 247), i.e., the amount of decrease in the speed detection signal converted into a digital signal, represents the degree of deterioration of the drive unit (13).

When a part of the discriminator/conveyer (5) becomes stuck due to cogging of the drive unit , the conveying speed of the paper becomes uneven, and the optical image of the paper from the photoelectric discriminator (11) becomes missing, distorted, shrinks, stretches, or slips. This makes it impossible to obtain proper image information of the paper, and the judging device (12) may not be able to correctly judge the authenticity of the paper from the optical image of the paper. For example, if the judging device (12) cannot correctly read an identification mark such as a barcode printed on the paper, the judging device (12) generates an error signal and rotates the drive unit (13) in the reverse and forward directions to judge the authenticity of the paper again. The physical property memory device (25) stores the number of times the judging device (12) judges the authenticity of the paper as a drive log.

The drive unit slippage and slippage characteristic comparison device (402) compares the length information of the paper sent from the physical property storage device (25) to the terminal search device (401) with the normal length stored in the central storage device (403). If the image length signal read by the discrimination sensor (11) deviates from a predetermined range, the characteristic comparison device (402) determines that slippage (slippage) has occurred when the belt of the drive unit (13) is driven. The physical property storage device (25) counts the number of slippages when the belt is driven, and reads the number of slippages when the belt is driven from the physical property storage device (25) through the input device (405), the terminal search device (401) and the connection device (25a) to the terminal search device (401). If the number of slippages exceeds a certain number stored in the central storage device (403), the characteristic comparison device (402) determines that the discrimination and conveyance device (5) is broken. For example, a storage log from the storage ammeter (252), storage acceleration sensor (255) or storage speed sensor (256), which indicates the operation delay time or operation current level of the storage and conveying device (6), can be stored in the physical property memory device (25), and the manager can be notified to replace the drive unit (13) before the storage chamber (79) of the storage device (3) becomes full of paper sheets.

For example, the cumulative pulse width of the drive signal to the storage and conveying device (6) or the pushing device (62) may be measured, and when a certain cumulative pulse width is detected, it may be detected that the storage chamber (79) is full of paper sheets. The unique identification information of the paper sheet handling device (1) or the drive unit (13) having a storage chamber (79) that frequently becomes full of paper sheets may be stored in the physical property memory device (25), and the storage device (3) in which suspected deterioration is detected may be replaced.

As described above, due to various factors such as an increase in the total operating time or the cumulative number of repeated operations of the drive unit (13) including the conveying motor (701), the pushing motor (702) and the power transmission device (8), a change in environmental temperature, abnormal rotation output, an increase in the amount of wear, a decrease in function or strength due to repeated operations, an increase in fatigue due to repeated low loads, and the occurrence of idling (slip) when the belt is driven, the quality, performance and function of each part of the drive unit (13) inevitably decrease and deteriorate in stages or gradually.

However, once the mechanical and electrical configurations of the drive unit (13) and their functions are specifically determined, the failure rate curve characteristics of the drive unit (13) with respect to wear, fatigue, overcurrent damage, thermal damage, slow operation speed, and slow operation acceleration can be measured, estimated, or displayed as a failure rate approximation function, and the failure rate curve characteristic data or failure rate approximation function can be stored in the central storage device (403). The obtained failure rate curve characteristic or failure rate approximation function may be a bathtub curve or a different failure rate characteristic curve, a quadratic curve, or a straight line. The operating experience values of the drive unit (13): total operating time, total operating count, environmental temperature, high temperature duration, high temperature count, low operating speed, low operating speed count, low acceleration, low acceleration count, and unique identification information of the drive unit (13), i.e., the game machine (200), are stored in the physical property storage device (25). The operating experience value of the drive unit (13) can be read out to the terminal search device (401) from the physical property storage device (25) via the input device (405), the terminal search device (401) and the connection device (25a).

By searching for deterioration data such as the current total operating time and total number of operations from the physical property storage device (25) through the input device (405), the terminal search device (401) and the connection device (25a) and inputting (plotting) or substituting the deterioration data into the failure rate curve data or failure rate approximation function stored in the central storage device (403), the deterioration state of the drive unit (13) on the failure rate curve characteristic or failure rate approximation function can be determined, and the failure rate rise point (T) on the failure rate curve characteristic or failure rate approximation function and the appropriate replacement position of the drive unit (13) can be recognized before a failure occurs.

A drive unit (13) is built into the installation chamber (21) of the validator (2) installed in each paper handling device (1) of multiple gaming machines (200) installed in an amusement parlor or casino. The physical property memory device (25) of each drive unit (13) is connected to a terminal search device (401) of a central management unit (300) via a connection device (25a). A search command signal is input to the terminal search device (401) from an input device (405) such as a keyboard or image input device connected to the terminal search device (401) of the central management unit (300), and information in the physical property memory device (25) of the drive unit (13) that stores the drive log and unique identification information of physical values can be searched for and the required information can be extracted via the terminal search device (401) and the connection device (25a).

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the paper handling device (1) includes a mounting chamber (21) formed in the housing (20) of the validator (2) in which the drive unit (13) is disposed, and a pair of pivot support parts (161) formed on the inner wall of the mounting chamber (21). The drive unit (13) shown in Figure 2 is detachably mounted in the mounting chamber (21) of the validator (2) as shown in Figure 5. That is, the hinge tube (160) of the frame (13b) of the drive unit (13) is detachably and rotatably mounted on the pivot support part (161) of the housing (20) of the validator (2), and the frame (13b) can be rotated around the pivot support part of the validator (2) to accommodate the drive unit (13) in the mounting chamber (21) of the validator (2).

The drive unit (13) may be prevented from being removed from the paper handling device (1) while power is being supplied from a power source linked to the opening and closing of the bottom cover (13a) of the drive unit (13). When the power supply to the paper handling device (1) is stopped once by opening and closing the bottom cover (13a) of the drive unit (13) and then restarted, the terminal search device (401) will quickly detect the connection between the paper handling device (1) or the drive unit (13) and the connection device (25a).

As shown in FIG. 5, when a terminal search device (401) is connected to a connection device (25a) provided in the physical property storage device (25) of the drive unit (13) housed in the mounting chamber (21) of the discriminator (2), the terminal search device (401) can access, search, and retrieve the drive log or warning signal stored in the physical property storage device (25) according to a command signal given to the terminal search device (401) from an input device (405) outside the paper handling device (1), and display the drive log or warning signal on the display device (404) or generate an alarm.

The central management device (300) includes a central storage device (403) that stores the failure rate curve characteristic or failure rate approximation function of the drive unit (13), and a characteristic comparison device (402) that is connected to the central storage device (403) and the terminal search device (401). The characteristic comparison device (402) can compare the physical values of the drive unit (13) received by the terminal search device (401) with the failure rate curve characteristic of the drive unit (13) stored in the central storage device (403) or substitute the physical values of the drive unit (13) into the failure rate approximation function to calculate the closest replacement time for the drive unit (13), and output and display it on the display device (404).

The current degree of deterioration is determined from the cumulative operating physical value of the drive unit (13) read by the terminal search device (401), and by comparing the cumulative operating physical value with the failure rate curve characteristic stored in the central storage device (403) or by substituting the cumulative operating physical value of the drive unit (13) into a failure rate approximation function, the failure rate rise point (T) of the failure rate curve characteristic and the time when the deterioration degree will reach 80% before the wear-out failure period can be predicted.

The validator (2)'s validator sensor (11) reads the image information of the bill or coupon inserted into the paper handling device (1), and the judging device (12) judges whether the bill is genuine or counterfeit. The judging device (12) is also connected to the physical property storage device (25). When a coupon of a specified size is inserted into the validator (2), the validator sensor (11) reads an image length signal, which is sent from the judging device (12) to the physical property storage device (25). The central storage device (403) also stores regular dimensional information of the bill or coupon. The dimensions and shape of coupons issued in casino facilities and collected in a short time maintain regular dimensions and shapes with little deterioration such as wrinkles, and provide the judging device (12) and the physical property storage device (25) with good reference values for measuring the conveying accuracy of the drive unit (13).

Specific coupons, which have limited periods and areas of use, deteriorate less than generally circulated banknotes, and the optical reading dimensions of the identification sensor (11) do not fluctuate. Therefore, when a transport abnormality occurs in the drive unit (13), the identification sensor (11) creates paper image information that deviates from a specified range in the determination device (12) and the physical property memory device (25). When paper image information outside the specified range is generated, the determination device (12) inverts and rotates the identification and transport device (5) forward to identify the paper again. The physical property memory device (25) counts the number of re-identifications, and when the number of re-identifications exceeds a certain number, such as five, it determines that the transport function of the identification and transport device (5) has deteriorated and generates a warning signal.

In addition, when the discrimination sensor (11) detects a banknote longer than a predetermined length, it may determine that the discrimination and conveyance device (5) or the storage and conveyance device (6) has worn out, idling, or slippage, and notify the administrator. For example, when the rubber roller of the discrimination and conveyance device (5) or the storage and conveyance device (6) wears out, the number of rotations of the rubber roller increases, and the banknote is detected as having a longer than average length. When the rubber roller of the discrimination and conveyance device (5) or the storage and conveyance device (6) has idling or slippage, the banknote is detected as having a large variation in average length. The discrimination sensor (11) of the discrimination device (2) may read the barcode of the coupon and check the length, angle, or encoder pulse interval of the coupon to determine the degree of deterioration of the drive unit (13).

The central management device (300) may automatically notify the administrator of the deterioration and need for replacement of the drive unit (13), and may, for example, identify the part to be repaired and present the administrator with a repair method based on the past maintenance and inspection history. The central management device (300) may determine the warranty period from S/N (signal-to-noise) ratio data, display the replacement history, suggest motor replacement from the number of times the motor is operated, determine deterioration from the numerical values of the conveying motor (701) and the pushing motor (702), determine gear wear, determine the degree of deterioration based on the average outside temperature, and check the content and number of return error codes. The central management device (300) may register the content of the error and countermeasures or replacement parts, determine the tendency for repair, and complete maintenance early.

When manufacturing the paper handling device of the present invention, one or more drive sensors (24) that detect physical values in the drive unit (13) and a physical property memory device (25) that stores the physical values detected by the drive sensor (24) are provided in the drive unit (13). Next, the drive unit (13) having the drive sensor (24) and the physical property memory device (25) is detachably mounted in the mounting chamber (21) of the validator (2) that validates the authenticity of paper sheets, thereby forming a validator transport path (10) along the drive unit (13) that transports paper sheets in the drive validator (2).

Therefore, the method of indicating the deterioration degree of a paper handling device of the present invention includes the steps of providing the drive unit (13) with one or more drive sensors (24) that detect physical values in the drive unit (13) and a physical property memory device (25) that stores the physical values detected by the drive sensor (24); detachably mounting the drive unit (13) having the drive sensor (24) and the physical property memory device (25) in a validator (2) that validates the authenticity of paper sheets; transporting multiple paper sheets by the drive unit (13) along a validator transport path (10) formed in the drive validator (2); searching for the physical values stored in the physical property memory device (25) by a terminal search device (401) to extract the physical values; and displaying the extracted physical values on a display device (404).

The method for displaying the deterioration level of a paper handling device of the present invention may further include a step of inputting the physical value searched by the terminal search device (401) to the characteristic comparison device (402), a step of comparing the failure rate curve characteristic of the drive unit (13) stored in the central storage device (403) with the physical value received by the characteristic comparison device (402) or substituting the physical value received by the characteristic comparison device (402) into the failure rate approximation function of the drive unit (13) stored in the central storage device (403), and a step of calculating the imminent replacement time for the physical value of the drive unit (13) by the characteristic comparison device (402) and displaying the imminent replacement time on the display device (404).

In the embodiment of the present invention, a method for detecting wear due to the total operating time of the drive unit (13), fatigue accumulation due to the cumulative number of repeated operations, overcurrent damage due to repeated overload, heat damage in a high temperature environment, abnormal decrease in operating speed, abnormal decrease in operating acceleration, and failure due to sticking (cogging), slipping, and slipping has been described. However, other mechanical or electrical failures, malfunctions, or operational defects of the drive unit (13) can be detected by the drive sensor (24) and stored in the physical property storage device (25). When the failure time or number of failures exceeds a certain level, a warning signal can be generated from the physical property storage device (25) to motivate replacement of the drive unit (13).

The embodiment of the present invention can be modified. For example, when the fluctuation rate of the motor control value of the classification conveying device (5) or the storage conveying device (6) exceeds 10%, it may be determined that dirt or wear has occurred in the gears, belts, or rollers, and a notification may be given to the administrator. In addition, the average speed when the motor is driven with a constant torque may be measured by an encoder to quantify the conveying load of the classification conveying device (5) or the storage conveying device (6). As an alternative, the time it takes for the motor to reach the target speed may be measured to quantify the conveying load of the classification conveying device (5) or the storage conveying device (6). In addition, the customer code and the shipping date may be written and stored in the physical property storage device (25) of the drive unit (13) before the paper handling device (1) is shipped. The warranty period of the paper handling device (1) or the drive unit (13) can be determined, and the resale of used items of the equipment can be suppressed.

Although not shown, the central management device (300) may notify the mobile terminal of the paper sheet handling device (1) or the manager of the facility where the paper sheet handling device (1) is installed of the physical value of the drive unit (13) or the replacement of the drive unit (13). The manager of the paper sheet handling device (1) can show the physical value of the drive unit (13) to the manager of the facility to prove that the quality of the paper sheet handling device (1) is being maintained. In addition, since the physical property storage device (25) stores unique identification information of the drive unit (13) or the paper sheet handling device (1), when the physical value of the drive unit (13) stored in the physical property storage device (25) is an abnormal value, the manager can investigate the actual usage environment of the drive unit (13) or the paper sheet handling device (1).

The paper sheet handling device of the present invention can be used in various technical fields that use paper sheets such as banknotes, for example, game machines, automated teller machines, ticket vending machines, settlement machines, or vending machines. The game machine management device of the present invention can be used in various technical fields that manage multiple game machines, for example, entertainment facilities, gaming facilities, or casino facilities.

(1) - Paper handling device, (2) - Identification device, (3) - Storage device, (5) - Identification and conveying device, (6) - Storage and conveying device, (7) - Pushing device, (8) - Power transmission device, (10) - Identification and conveying passage, (11) - Identification sensor, (12) - Judgment device, (13) - Drive unit, (13a) - Bottom cover, (13b) - Frame, (14) - Entrance, (21) - Mounting chamber, (23) - Pinion, (24, 241 to 246, 251 to 256) - Drive sensor, (25) - Physical property storage device, (36) - Drive belt, (45) - Timing encoder, (46) - Entrance roller, (79) - Storage chamber, (200) - Game machine, (300) - Central management device, (301) - Central storage device, (361) - Front drive belt, (362) - Rear drive belt, (701) - Conveyor motor, (702) - Push motor, (400) - Terminal search device, (402) - Characteristic comparison device, (401) - Terminal search device, (403) - Central storage device,

The present invention relates to a paper handling device equipped with a drive unit that can be replaced before it breaks down, a game machine management device that uses the paper handling device, and a method for indicating the deterioration level of the paper handling device.

The applicant for this patent is the patentee of Patent No. 5,484,866, shown in this specification as Patent Document 1, and has been producing and selling paper handling devices based on this patent for many years. However, when this paper handling device breaks down, the game machine in which the paper handling device is built cannot be operated until repairs are completed, and revenue from the operation of the game machine cannot be obtained. The main cause of failure of the paper handling device is deterioration accompanying the operation of the drive unit that constitutes the operating part of the paper handling device, and once the drive unit breaks down, the game machine using the paper handling device cannot be operated until the drive unit is replaced. The paper handling device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the advantage that the drive unit, the discrimination device, and the storage device are configured as separate units, and each unit can be easily separated, removed, assembled, maintained, inspected, and replaced, and has the advantage that the drive unit can be easily replaced and maintained by removing the integrated drive unit that is removably built in from the paper handling device.

Patent document 2 shows an automatic banknote deposit and withdrawal device in which a memory (storage device) that stores the type of cassette is provided in each temporary storage cassette and replenishment/recovery cassette, and the control unit receives information from each memory via a connector and recognizes the type of cassette from the memory information.

Patent No. 5,484,866 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-27274

When the drive unit of the paper sheet handling device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used continuously, it is not possible to recognize its deterioration state or predict when a failure or malfunction will occur. Usually, the drive unit suddenly breaks down or malfunctions, causing the paper sheet handling device itself to become inoperable or to operate abnormally. When the drive unit breaks down, the paper sheet handling device and the game machine to which the paper sheet handling device is attached cannot be operated, and the paper sheet handling device and the game machine cannot be used until the drive unit that operates normally is replaced, which is a drawback in that it is not possible to expect an increase in revenue from the operation of the game machine, and it is not possible to reduce the downtime of the paper sheet handling device and the game machine.
Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a paper sheet handling device that can recognize the degree of deterioration or the time for replacement of a drive unit that needs to be replaced, a game machine management device that utilizes the paper sheet handling device, and a method for displaying the degree of deterioration of a paper sheet handling device.

The paper handling device (1) of the present invention comprises a validator (2) for validating the authenticity of paper sheets, a validator conveying path (10) formed within the validator (2), and a drive unit (13) removably mounted within the validator (2). Each part of the drive unit (13), which conveys paper sheets within the validator (2) along the validator conveying path (10), deteriorates stepwise or gradually as the drive unit (13) operates, resulting in a decrease in quality, performance, or function. Therefore, the drive unit (13) comprises one or more drive sensors (24) for detecting physical values related to the quality, performance, or function of the drive unit (13), and a physical property storage device (25) for storing the physical values detected by the drive sensor (24). The amount of change in the physical value from the drive sensor (24) represents the degree of deterioration of the drive unit (13). By constantly, periodically, or when necessary, searching for, extracting, and displaying the physical values stored in the physical property storage device (25), it is possible to objectively grasp the degree of deterioration in the quality, performance, or function of the drive unit (13).

The paper handling device, the game machine management device using the paper handling device, and the method for indicating the deterioration level of the paper handling device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
1 is a cross-sectional view of a paper handling device according to the present invention; FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which a drive unit is removed from a validator of a paper handling device; 1 is a bottom view of a drive unit used in a paper handling device according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a timing encoder of the drive unit; A cross-sectional view showing a state in which a drive unit is attached to the authentication device. Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the drive unit Graph showing failure rate curve characteristics of drive units

The paper sheet handling device, game machine management device, and paper sheet handling device deterioration level display method of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7. The terms "paper sheets" and "paper sheets" used in this specification should be understood in a broad sense to include all valuable paper sheets, such as banknotes, paper or resin currency, coupons, substitute notes, securities, and scrips.

Basic configuration of the present invention The paper handling device (1) according to the embodiment of the present invention is an improvement of the mechanical and electrical configurations of the drive unit (13) of the conventional paper handling device shown in Patent Document 1. The mechanical and electrical configurations of the drive unit (13) used in the paper handling device of the present invention are different from those in Patent Document 1, but the validator (2), validator conveyor path (10), and storage device (3) except for the drive unit (13) have the same configurations and functions as those in Patent Document 1. The drive unit (13) of the present invention includes a drive sensor (24) that detects physical values related to aging or deterioration of the quality, performance, or function of the drive unit (13), and a physical property storage device (25) that selects and stores the physical values detected by the drive sensor (24), and has an excellent effect of being able to objectively grasp the state of aging or deterioration of the quality, performance, or function of the drive unit (13). The embodiment of the present invention described in this specification can use the configurations of the conventional validator and storage device shown in Patent Document 1 except for the drive unit (13), and the contents of Patent Document 1 can be applied to this specification as they are.

The paper handling device (1) shown in FIG. 1 includes a validator (2) that validates the authenticity of paper such as banknotes and coupons, a validator transport path (10) formed within the validator (2), and a drive unit (13) that transports paper within the validator (2) along the validator transport path (10). The drive unit (13) includes a validator transport device (5) (FIG. 5) that transports paper inserted into the validator (2) along the validator transport path (10), and a storage transport device (6) (FIG. 3) that stores paper transported along the validator transport path (10) by the validator transport device (5) in a storage device (3). The drive unit (13) has a bottom cover (13a) shown in FIG. 2 that covers the bottom surface of the drive unit (13).

The validator (2) shown in Fig. 1 includes a validator sensor (11) that generates a detection signal representing the optical characteristics of paper sheets transported along a validator transport path (10) by a drive unit (13), and a judging device (12) (Fig. 6) that receives the detection signal from the validator sensor (11) and judges the authenticity of the paper sheets. The validator sensor (11) that generates the detection signal forming an optical image of the paper sheets is, for example, composed of a contact image sensor (CIS) that acquires optical image data of the paper sheets moving along the validator transport path (10). When the optical image data acquired by the discrimination sensor (11) is compared with the genuine paper optical image data and the determination device (12) determines that the paper is genuine, the paper is transported by the drive belt (36) of the discrimination and transport device (5) through the discrimination and transport path (10) to the storage device (3), and then by the storage and transport device (6) to the waiting room (61a) of the storage room (79), and is then stored from the waiting room (61a) to the storage room (79) by the pushing device (62). When the storage room (79) is full of paper, the facility manager separates the full storage device (3) from the paper handling device (1) and collects the paper in the storage room (79).

The drive unit (13) whose mechanical configuration is shown in FIG. 3 includes a conveying motor (701) constituting the classification conveying device (5) that conveys the paper inserted into the classification device (2) along the classification conveying path (10), and a push motor (702) constituting the storage conveying device (6) that pushes the paper conveyed to the storage device (3) into the storage chamber (79) of the storage device (3). Please refer to Patent Document 1 for the specific configuration and operation of the classification conveying device (5) and the storage conveying device (6) in which the conveying motor (701) and the push motor (702) convey the paper and push it into the storage device (3) via the power transmission device (8). In the embodiment of the present invention, the structure of Patent Document 1 is fundamentally different in that a plurality of conveying sensors (241-246) detect various physical values related to the quality, performance, or function of the classification conveying device (5) including the conveying motor (701) and the power transmission device (8) and generate a conveying log that quantifies, scores, or grades the detected physical values.

The classification conveying device (5) includes a reversible drive type conveying motor (701) capable of forward and reverse rotation, a pinion fixed to the drive shaft of the conveying motor (701), a power transmission device (8) drivingly connected to the pinion, and a drive belt (36) operated via the pinion of the conveying motor (701) and the power transmission device (8). Unlike the structure of the classification conveying device of Patent Document 1, the drive belt (36) includes a front drive belt (361) that rotates the entrance roller (46) at the front center of the classification conveying path (10) to convey paper sheets, and a pair of rear drive belts (362) that convey paper sheets at the rear of the classification conveying path (10). The front drive belt (361) and the rear drive belt (362) are driven by the conveying motor (701) via the power transmission device (8). The entrance roller (46) may be rotated via a gear that meshes with the gear rotated by the front drive belt (361).

As with the structure of Patent Document 1, the paper handling device (1) includes a storage device (3) that stores paper sheets transported along the classification transport path (10), and the drive unit (13) includes a storage transport device (6) that stores paper sheets in a storage chamber (79) of the storage device (3). The embodiment of the present invention is fundamentally different from the structure of Patent Document 1 in that multiple storage sensors (251-256) detect various physical values related to the quality, performance, or function of the storage transport device (6), including the push motor (702) and the power transmission device (8), and generate a storage log that quantifies, scores, or grades the detected physical values.

Figure 6 shows the electrical configuration of the drive unit (13) used in the present invention. The conventional drive unit shown in Patent Document 1 does not naturally have the electrical configuration of the drive unit (13) used in the present invention. The classification conveying device (5) is equipped with a timing encoder (45) that is rotated by the front drive belt (361) that rotates the entrance roller (46) to measure the rotation time of the conveying motor (701) and generate a conveying measurement signal. The timing encoder (45) that measures the rotation time of the conveying motor (701) can measure the rotation speed and number of rotations of the conveying motor (701). The entrance roller (46), which is rotated by the front drive belt (361) or rotated via a gear (not shown) that rotates in conjunction with the front drive belt (361), conveys paper sheets inserted into the entrance (14) of the classification conveying path (10) along the classification conveying path (10).

In this way, the timing encoder (45) and the inlet roller (46) are driven by the front drive belt (361). The physical property storage device (25), which is also connected to the timing encoder (45), stores the drive log from the multiple drive sensors (24) along with the operating time of the drive unit (13) measured by the timing encoder (45). The multiple drive sensors (24) detect various physical values related to the quality, performance, or function of the classification conveyor device (5) and the storage conveyor device (6), including the conveyor motor (701), the push motor (702), and the power transmission device (8), generate drive logs that digitize, score, or grade the physical values detected by the drive sensors (24), and store them in the physical property storage device (25), which is fundamentally different from the structure of Patent Document 1.

As shown in the electrical configuration of the drive unit in Fig. 6, the various drive sensors (24) that measure the physical quantities of the conveying motor (701) and the pushing motor (702), the discrimination sensor (11), and the timing encoder (45) are all connected to the physical property storage device (25), and the physical quantities detected by the drive sensors (24) are sorted by the physical property storage device (25), and each physical quantity is stored in a required memory area together with the time signal measured by the timing encoder (45). In addition, the optical image signal of the paper obtained by the discrimination sensor (11) is sent to the judgment device (12), which judges the authenticity of the paper. Paper that the judgment device (12) judges to be authentic from the optical image signal is sent to the storage room (79) by the discrimination and conveyance device (5) and the storage and conveyance device (6).

When the optical image signal of the paper sheet is insufficient, the judgment device (12) reverses the classification conveying device (5) to return the paper sheet to the entrance side along the classification conveying path (10), and rotates the classification conveying device (5) forward again to convey the paper sheet along the classification sensor (11), so that the physical property memory device (25) counts the number of reclassifications for which paper sheet classification is performed again. The paper sheet handling device (1) or the drive unit (13) is connected to the terminal search device (401) of the central management device (300) via a connection device (25a) such as a USB interface, and the physical quantities stored in the physical property memory device (25) are read out to the terminal search device (401). The central management device (300) includes a computer such as a server and related peripheral devices. FIG. 6 merely illustrates the drive sensor (24) that detects the physical values of the conveying motor (701) and the pushing motor (702) of the drive unit (13).

Each drive sensor (24) constantly, periodically, or when necessary detects the physical values of the components of the drive unit (13) in analog or digital quantities, and transmits the retrieved physical values to the physical property storage device (25), which stores the received physical values in a specified storage area. When each drive sensor (24) detects a physical value in the drive unit (13), it converts the analog quantity into a digital quantity and transmits it to the physical property storage device (25) as a drive log that quantifies, scores, or grades the detected digital physical value in the drive unit (13), and the physical property storage device (25) stores the received drive log in a specified storage area. The physical property storage device (25) also stores the transport log and storage log as drive logs, together with the operating times of the transport motor (701) and the push motor (702) measured by the timing encoder (45). The physical values detected by the drive unit (13) that are quantified, scored, or graded are stored in the physical property storage device (25) after being classified into raw raw values detected by the drive sensor (24), ratios to a reference value, or multiple predetermined stages or levels.

Instead of each drive sensor (24) converting the physical value of an analog quantity into a digital quantity or digital value and transmitting the detected physical value of the digital quantity in the drive unit (13) to the physical property storage device (25) as a drive log that quantifies, scores, or grades the physical value, each drive sensor (24) can transmit the detected physical value of an analog quantity directly to the physical property storage device (25), and the physical property storage device (25) can convert the received physical value of an analog quantity into a digital quantity and convert it into a drive log that quantifies, scores, or grades the physical value of the digital quantity, and store it.

The physical property storage device (25) stores a transport log or a storage log as a drive log together with the operating times of the transport motor (701) and the push motor (702) measured by the timing encoder (45). The physical property storage device (25) stores the drive log detected by the drive sensor (24) and at the same time stores unique identification information such as a serial number that identifies each drive unit (13) or each paper handling device (1). When a request signal is received from the input device (405) of the central management device (300), the physical property storage device (25) transmits the stored drive log and unique identification information to the terminal search device (401) via the connection device (25a) after a certain period of time has elapsed or automatically, and causes the terminal search device (401) to store the drive log and unique identification information.

The central management unit (300), which receives the drive log and unique identification information transmitted from the connection unit (25a), converts the physical values detected from the drive unit (13) into a score. The central management unit (300) converts each physical value, such as the time elapsed since the date of the last replacement or maintenance inspection of the drive unit (13) of the classification and conveyance device (5) or the storage and conveyance device (6), the number of operations, the total number of operations, the maximum temperature during operation, the number of times operation was stopped, and the paper conveyance accuracy (conveyance unevenness), into a score, and transmits the score to the central storage device (403) where it is stored. If the total score of each physical value of the classification and conveyance device (5) or the storage and conveyance device (6) falls outside a predetermined range, the characteristic comparison device (402) of the central management unit (300) determines that at least one of the classification and conveyance device (5) or the storage and conveyance device (6) may have a future failure, and the central management unit (300) generates a warning signal or notifies the administrator of the need to replace or maintain the drive unit (13).

For example, assuming that the total physical value of a new drive unit (13) is 100 points and the total physical value of the drive unit (13) detected when a malfunction occurs is 70 points, the central management device (300) notifies the manager of the need to replace or perform maintenance inspection of the drive unit (13) when the total physical value of the drive unit (13) after use drops to 80 points. If an operator replaces the drive unit (13) in response to the notification, the actual occurrence of a malfunction of the drive unit (13) can be prevented. For example, when the maximum temperature of the operating conveying motor (701) or pushing motor (702) exceeds 90°C or the average temperature exceeds 80°C, the total physical value of the drive unit (13) is deducted. In addition, the total physical value of the drive unit (13) is deducted according to the increase in the elapsed time, the number of operations, the total number of operations, and the number of times the operation is stopped. Furthermore, if the total number of rotations of the conveying motor (701) or the pushing motor (702) exceeds 500,000 since the time of shipment of the paper handling device (1) or the last time the drive unit (13) was replaced, the total physical value of the drive unit (13) will be deducted.

Alternatively, a characteristic comparison device (402) can be used to calculate the replacement time or replacement priority of the drive unit (13) using an algorithm that converts statistics. When the central management device (300) receives the drive log and unique identification information transmitted by the connection device (25a), the characteristic comparison device (402) compares the drive log received by the central management device (300) with the failure rate curve characteristic of the drive unit (13) stored in the central storage device (403). The characteristic comparison device (402) determines which position on the failure rate curve characteristic of the drive unit (13) corresponds to the current deterioration level of the drive log received, and calculates the latest replacement time or the remaining time or remaining number of days until the replacement time of the drive unit (13) that will reach 80% of the wear amount (deterioration level) before the wear failure period of the total operating time from the corresponding deterioration level position on the failure rate curve characteristic, and displays the calculated latest replacement time on the display device (404).

On the other hand, when the central management device (300) receives the drive log and unique identification information transmitted by the connection device (25a), the characteristic comparison device (402) substitutes the drive log indicating the current deterioration level received by the central management device (300) into the failure rate approximation function of the drive unit (13) stored in the central storage device (403), and the characteristic comparison device (402) calculates the closest replacement time or the remaining time or remaining days until the replacement time of the drive unit (13) that will reach 80% of the wear amount (deterioration level) before the wear failure period of the total operating time from the corresponding position of the deterioration level on the failure rate approximation function, and displays the calculated closest replacement time on the display device (404).

The amount of change in the physical value from the drive sensor (24) represents the change over time, i.e., the degree of deterioration, of the drive unit (13), which is displayed on the horizontal axis of the failure rate curve characteristic. The physical property memory device (25) has a built-in vibrator or oscillator circuit that generates a time (clock) signal, and has the function of calculating the duration, speed, and acceleration of the physical values from the drive sensor (24) based on the clock signal generated by the oscillator circuit. Unique identification information that identifies the drive unit (13) or paper handling device (1) to which the physical property memory device (25) is attached, and the past maintenance and inspection history of the drive unit (13) to be repaired or inspected are also stored in the physical property memory device (25).

Unlike the structure of Patent Document 1, the drive sensor (24) shown in FIG. 6 of the classification conveying device (5) according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a conveying counter (241) that counts the operation time of the conveying motor (701) and transmits the counted time signal to the physical property memory device (25), an overcurrent detection resistor or conveying ammeter (242) that counts the current value and the number of overcurrents flowing through the conveying motor (701) for each operation of the conveying motor (701) and transmits the counted signals of the high current value, the high current time, and the number of high current times to the physical property memory device (25), and a conveying temperature sensor (243) that measures the environmental temperature of the conveying motor (701) and its high temperature duration for each operation of the conveying motor (701) and transmits the counted digital signals of the environmental temperature, the high temperature duration, and the number of high temperature times to the physical property memory device (25).

The drive sensor (24) further includes a transport timer (244) that counts the total operation time and the number of operations required for the operation of the transport motor (701) for each operation of the transport motor (701) and transmits the counted digital signals to the physical property storage device (25) as a drive log, a transport acceleration sensor (245) such as a quartz acceleration sensor that counts the low acceleration and the number of low accelerations of the transport motor (701) for each operation of the transport motor (701) and transmits the counted digital signals to the physical property storage device (25) as a drive log, and a transport speed sensor (246) that counts the rotation speed of the transport motor (701) for each operation of the transport motor (701) and transmits the counted digital speed signals to the physical property storage device (25) as a drive log.

As with the conveying motor (701), the drive sensor (24) in FIG. 6 provided on the push motor (702) includes a storage counter (251) that counts the operation time of the push motor (702) for each operation of the push motor (702) and transmits the counted digital time signal to the physical property storage device (25) as a drive log, an overcurrent detection resistor and storage ammeter (252) that counts the current value and the number of overcurrents flowing through the push motor (702) for each operation of the push motor (702) and transmits the counted digital signals of the high current value, high current time, and high current number of times to the physical property storage device (25) as a drive log, and a storage temperature sensor (253) that measures the environmental temperature of the push motor (702) and its high temperature duration for each operation of the push motor (702) and transmits the counted digital signals of the environmental temperature, high temperature duration, and high temperature number of times to the physical property storage device (25) as a drive log.

The drive sensor (24) also includes a storage timer (254) that counts the total operating time and the number of times the push motor (702) is operated for each operation of the push motor (702) and transmits the counted digital signals to the physical property storage device (25) as a drive log; a storage acceleration sensor (255) such as a quartz acceleration sensor that counts the motor's low acceleration and the number of times each operation of the push motor (702) and transmits the counted digital signals to the physical property storage device (25) as a drive log; and a storage speed sensor (256) that counts the rotation speed of the push motor (702) for each operation of the push motor (702) and transmits the counted digital speed signal to the physical property storage device (25) as a drive log.

For example, a known temperature measuring device that displays the change in electrical resistance or current value due to the temperature change of each motor winding of the conveying motor (701) and the pushing motor (702) as a digital signal can be used as the conveying/storage temperature sensor (243, 253). In short, the operating time of the conveying motor (701) and the pushing motor (702) is measured by counting the clock (time) signal generated by the timing encoder (45). The physical property memory device (25) stores the operating time of the drive unit (13) measured by the timing encoder (45) as well as the driving log from the drive sensor (24).

Therefore, the conveying/storage temperature sensor (243, 253) detects the temperatures of the conveying motor (701) and the pushing motor (702) for each operation of the classification conveying device (5) and the storage conveying device (6), generates a temperature detection signal in which the detected temperature is converted into a digital signal, and sends it to the physical property storage device (25) for storage. The temperature value converted into a digital signal is displayed as a driving log that is quantified, scored, or graded, and stored in the physical property storage device (25). The conveying/storage speed sensor (246, 256) detects the rotation speed of the conveying motor (701) and the pushing motor (702) for each operation of the classification conveying device (5) and the storage conveying device (6), generates a speed detection signal in which the detected rotation speed is converted into a digital signal, and sends it to the physical property storage device (25) for storage. The speed detection signal converted into a digital signal is displayed as a driving log that is quantified, scored, or graded, and stored in the physical property storage device (25). It should be noted that the decrease in the physical value from the transport/storage speed sensor (246, 256), i.e., the speed detection signal converted into a digital signal, represents the degree of deterioration of the drive unit (13).

The main cause of failure of the drive unit (13) is believed to be the following aging, i.e., deterioration, of the moving parts constituting the conveying motor (701) or the pushing motor (702) and the power transmission device (8). Therefore, the method of replacing the drive unit (13) before failure will be discussed below for each cause of deterioration.
1. Wear and tear over the total operating time;
2. Fatigue failure caused by repeated operation.
3. Overcurrent damage caused by repeated overloads,
4. Heat damage in high temperature environments.
5. Abnormal slowdown in operation speed.
6. Abnormally slow movement acceleration,
7. Cogging of mechanical sliding parts

Wear failure of the sliding parts of the conveying motor (701) or the pushing motor (702) occurs due to wear over the total operating time of each conveying/pushing motor (701, 702), and the amount of wear of each conveying/pushing motor (701, 702) until a wear failure occurs is considered to be proportional to the total operating time of each conveying/pushing motor (701, 702). Therefore, the conveying/storing counters (241, 251) count the operating time of each conveying motor (701) and pushing motor (702) and transmit the counted time signal to the physical property storage device (25). The physical property storage device (25) calculates and stores the total operating time of each conveying/pushing motor (701, 702).

Figure 7 shows a bathtub curve characteristic or failure rate curve characteristic, with the vertical axis representing the failure rate of the drive unit (13) and the horizontal axis representing the total operating time or total number of operations of the machine. The illustrated failure rate curve characteristic is composed of three periods in time series: the early failure period, the random failure period, and the wear-out failure period. In this specification, we focus on the point (T) at which the failure rate rises sharply in the latter half of the random failure period, where the failure rate increases sharply toward the wear-out failure period, without considering the early failure period, which guarantees the quality of the drive unit (13), and the stable random failure period, where stable continuous operation is expected.

For example, if it is empirically determined from experimental values or repair activities that the conveying motor (701) or the pushing motor (702) equipped with a sliding part reaches a failure rate rise point (T) corresponding to 500 hours at 90% of the total operating time and transitions from the random failure period to the wear-out failure period, a warning signal can be generated from the physical property storage device (25) at 400 hours, when the wear amount (degree of deterioration) of the total operating time of each conveying/pushing motor (701, 702) reaches 80% before the wear-out failure period, to notify the manager of the need to replace the drive unit (13). In any case, the failure rate rise point (T) represented by the failure rate curve characteristic or failure rate approximation function is used as the basis for setting the time to replace the drive unit (13) to a time just before 70% to 90%, and when the time to replace the drive unit (13) is reached, an acoustic or visual warning can be generated from the warning device connected to the physical property storage device (25) as a warning signal from the physical property storage device (25). Assuming that the components of the paper handling device (1) other than the drive unit (13) do not suffer from wear, fatigue, or thermal damage, and that failures rarely occur, after the drive unit (13) is replaced, the failure rate curve characteristics of the paper handling device (1) will return to the original installation point.

Fatigue Accumulation Even under low load conditions, fatigue due to a decrease in material allowable stress caused by repeated operation accumulates in the conveying motor (701) or the pushing motor (702), which may cause a fatigue failure. Fatigue failure of each conveying/pushing motor (701, 702) occurs depending on the cumulative number of operations, and similar to the failure rate curve characteristics shown in Figure 7, the amount of fatigue accumulated in each conveying/pushing motor (701, 702) until a fatigue failure occurs is considered to be proportional to the cumulative number of repeated operations of each conveying/pushing motor (701, 702). Therefore, the conveying/storing counter (241, 251) or another counter counts the number of operations of each of the conveying motor (701) and the pushing motor (702), and transmits the counted number of operations signal to the physical property storage device (25). The physical property storage device (25) calculates and stores the cumulative number of operations of each conveying/pushing motor (701, 702). It is empirically assumed that fatigue damage will occur when the cumulative number of operations of each of the conveying/pushing motors (701, 702) reaches, for example, 500,000 times. When the cumulative number of operations of each of the conveying/pushing motors (701, 702) reaches 400,000 times, which is 80% of the wear amount, a warning signal can be generated from the physical property memory device (25) to urge the administrator to replace the drive unit (13).

Damage from overcurrent If a part is deformed due to some reason, the smooth operation of the drive unit (13) may be hindered, and a large load may be generated during operation due to the deformation of the part, causing an overcurrent to flow to the conveying motor (701) or the pushing motor (702). If an overcurrent flows frequently, the conveying motor (701) or the pushing motor (702) may be overheated or the electronic parts may be thermally destroyed or broken down due to the discharge of the destructive current caused by the overcurrent, causing the conveying motor (701) or the pushing motor (702) to break down. Therefore, the overcurrent detection resistor and conveying/storing ammeter (242, 252) that counts the high current value, high current time, and high current count detect and count the current value, high current duration, and number of overcurrent loads of the overcurrent flowing through the conveying motor (701) or the pushing motor (702), and transmit the detected and counted signals of the high current value, high current duration, and high current count to the physical property memory device (25). The physical property storage device (25) calculates and stores the high current value, high current time, and high current count of the conveying motor (701) or the pushing motor (702). When the current value flowing through the conveying motor (701) or the pushing motor (702) is, for example, 10 amperes or more, the current flow time exceeds 3 seconds, and the current flow count exceeds 5 times, and it is determined that there is a risk of thermal destruction or breakdown due to high current in the components, the physical property storage device (25) generates a warning signal to urge the manager to replace the drive unit (13).

Thermal Damage in High-Temperature Environments When resin-encapsulated electronic components mounted on the transport motor (701) or the push-in motor (702) are exposed to high temperatures of 120°C or higher, the semiconductor chips built in as electronic components may be thermally destroyed or broken down, and may not function as intended. For this reason, the transport/storage temperature sensor (243, 253), which measures the environmental temperature in which the transport motor (701) or the push-in motor (702) is installed and the duration of high temperature, counts the environmental temperature, duration of high temperature, and number of times of high temperature every time the transport/storage motor (701, 702) is operated, and transmits the signals of the counted environmental temperature, duration of high temperature, and number of times of high temperature to the physical property storage device (25). The physical property storage device (25) calculates and stores the counted environmental temperature, duration of high temperature, and number of times of high temperature. For example, if a high temperature of 120°C or above occurs more than three times for 30 seconds or more, it can be determined that there is a risk of thermal destruction or breakdown of electronic components due to the high temperature environment, and a warning signal can be generated from the physical property memory device (25) to urge the administrator to replace the drive unit (13).

The operating speed of the drive unit (13) may decrease due to a specific cause of the decrease in operating speed or due to a combination of deterioration. For example, if sticky substances attached to the paper sheets conveyed along the classification conveying path (10) adhere to a part of the classification conveying device (5) or the storage conveying device (6) or if foreign matter is mixed in, the operating performance of the drive unit (13) will be significantly decreased. Therefore, the conveying/storage timers (244, 254) that count the total operating time required for the operation of the conveying motor (701) or the pushing motor (702) and the number of times of operation are counted, and the counted signals are sent to the physical property storage device (25). The physical property storage device (25) calculates and stores the counted low operating speeds and the number of times of low operating speeds of the conveying/pushing motors (701, 702). When a predetermined number of times of low operating speeds has been counted, the physical property storage device (25) generates a warning signal to urge the administrator to replace the drive unit (13).

For example, when a user of the paper handling device (1) spills a viscous liquid such as a beverage at the entrance (14) of the sorting and conveying passage (10), the viscous liquid adheres to the sorting and conveying device (5), the storage and conveying device (6), or the power transmission device (8), causing the conveying speed of the conveying and pushing motors (701, 702) to slow down or fluctuate. The central management device (300) constantly monitors the fluctuations in the conveying speed of the conveying and pushing motors (701, 702), and when the conveying and pushing motors (701, 702) do not operate at a predetermined speed, it determines that a viscous liquid has adhered to the sorting and conveying device (5) and generates a warning signal or notifies the administrator to replace the drive unit (13). In addition, when foreign matter such as dust or sand enters the classification conveying passage (10) from the entrance (14) of the classification conveying passage (10), the conveying speed of the conveying/pushing motors (701, 702) fluctuates due to adhesion or accumulation of the foreign matter on the power transmission device (8). Multiple conveying sensors (241-246) quantify the conveying delay due to the foreign matter, monitor the increase in the conveying load, and issue a warning signal or notify the administrator to replace the drive unit (13).

The acceleration of the drive unit (13) may decrease due to deformation of components that reduce the operating acceleration , or for other reasons, and the rotational force required to transport or store the paper sheets may decrease. Therefore, the transport/storage acceleration sensor (245, 255), such as a quartz acceleration sensor, counts the low acceleration of the transport/push motor (701, 702) and the number of such events, and sends the counted signals to the physical property memory device (25). The physical property memory device (25) calculates and stores the counted low acceleration of the motor and the number of such events. When a predetermined number of low operating speed events have been counted, the physical property memory device (25) generates a warning signal to notify the administrator of the need to replace the drive unit (13).

The transport/storage acceleration sensors (245, 255) detect the acceleration of each of the transport motor (701) and the push motor (702), convert the detected acceleration into a digital signal to generate an acceleration detection signal each time the classification transport device (5) and the storage transport device (6) are operated, and send it to the physical property storage device (25) for storage as a drive log. The acceleration detection signal converted into a digital signal is displayed as a drive log that is quantified, scored, or graded, and stored in the physical property storage device (25). The physical value from the transport/storage acceleration sensors (245, 255), i.e., the amount of decrease in the acceleration detection signal converted into a digital signal, represents the degree of deterioration of the drive unit (13).

When a cogging occurs in a part of the discriminator/conveyer (5) due to the cogging of the drive unit , the conveying speed of the paper sheet becomes uneven, and the optical image of the paper sheet from the photoelectric discriminator (11) becomes missing, distorted, shrinks, stretches, or slips. This makes it impossible to obtain proper image information of the paper sheet, and the judging device (12) may not be able to correctly judge the authenticity of the paper sheet from the optical image of the paper sheet. For example, if the judging device (12) cannot correctly read an identification mark such as a barcode printed on the paper sheet, the judging device (12) generates an error signal and rotates the drive unit (13) in the reverse and forward directions to judge the authenticity of the paper sheet again. The physical property memory device (25) stores the number of times the judging device (12) judges the authenticity of the paper sheet as a drive log.

The drive unit slippage and slippage characteristic comparison device (402) compares the length information of the paper sent from the physical property storage device (25) to the terminal search device (401) with the normal length stored in the central storage device (403). If the image length signal read by the discrimination sensor (11) deviates from a predetermined range, the characteristic comparison device (402) determines that slippage (slippage) has occurred when the belt of the drive unit (13) is driven. The physical property storage device (25) counts the number of slippages that have occurred when the belt is driven, and reads the number of slippages that have occurred when the belt is driven from the physical property storage device (25) through the input device (405), the terminal search device (401) and the connection device (25a) to the terminal search device (401). If the number of slippages that have occurred exceeds a certain number stored in the central storage device (403), the characteristic comparison device (402) determines that the discrimination and conveyance device (5) is broken. For example, a storage log from the storage ammeter (252), storage acceleration sensor (255) or storage speed sensor (256), which indicates the operation delay time or operation current level of the storage and conveying device (6), can be stored in the physical property memory device (25), and the manager can be notified to replace the drive unit (13) before the storage chamber (79) of the storage device (3) becomes full of paper sheets.

For example, the cumulative pulse width of the drive signal to the storage and conveying device (6) or the pushing device (62) may be measured, and when a certain cumulative pulse width is detected, it may be detected that the storage chamber (79) is full of paper sheets. The unique identification information of the paper sheet handling device (1) or the drive unit (13) having a storage chamber (79) that frequently becomes full of paper sheets may be stored in the physical property memory device (25), and the storage device (3) in which suspected deterioration is detected may be replaced.

As described above, due to various factors such as an increase in the total operating time or the cumulative number of repeated operations of the drive unit (13) including the conveying motor (701), the pushing motor (702) and the power transmission device (8), a change in environmental temperature, abnormal rotation output, an increase in the amount of wear, a decrease in function or strength due to repeated operations, an increase in fatigue due to repeated low loads, and the occurrence of idling (slip) when the belt is driven, the quality, performance and function of each part of the drive unit (13) inevitably decrease and deteriorate in stages or gradually.

However, once the mechanical and electrical configurations of the drive unit (13) and their functions are specifically determined, the failure rate curve characteristics of the drive unit (13) with respect to wear, fatigue, overcurrent damage, thermal damage, slow operation speed, and slow operation acceleration can be measured, estimated, or displayed as a failure rate approximation function, and the failure rate curve characteristic data or failure rate approximation function can be stored in the central storage device (403). The obtained failure rate curve characteristic or failure rate approximation function may be a bathtub curve or a different failure rate characteristic curve, a quadratic curve, or a straight line. The operating experience values of the drive unit (13): total operating time, total operating count, environmental temperature, high temperature duration, high temperature count, low operating speed, low operating speed count, low acceleration, low acceleration count, and unique identification information of the drive unit (13), i.e., the game machine (200), are stored in the physical property storage device (25). The operating experience value of the drive unit (13) can be read out to the terminal search device (401) from the physical property storage device (25) via the input device (405), the terminal search device (401) and the connection device (25a).

By searching for deterioration data such as the current total operating time and total number of operations from the physical property storage device (25) through the input device (405), the terminal search device (401) and the connection device (25a) and inputting (plotting) or substituting the deterioration data into the failure rate curve data or failure rate approximation function stored in the central storage device (403), the deterioration state of the drive unit (13) on the failure rate curve characteristic or failure rate approximation function can be determined, and the failure rate rise point (T) on the failure rate curve characteristic or failure rate approximation function and the appropriate replacement position of the drive unit (13) can be recognized before a failure occurs.

A drive unit (13) is built into the installation chamber (21) of the validator (2) installed in each paper handling device (1) of multiple gaming machines (200) installed in an amusement parlor or casino. The physical property memory device (25) of each drive unit (13) is connected to a terminal search device (401) of a central management unit (300) via a connection device (25a). A search command signal is input to the terminal search device (401) from an input device (405) such as a keyboard or image input device connected to the terminal search device (401) of the central management unit (300), and information in the physical property memory device (25) of the drive unit (13) that stores the drive log and unique identification information of physical values can be searched for and the required information can be extracted via the terminal search device (401) and the connection device (25a).

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the paper handling device (1) includes a mounting chamber (21) formed in the housing (20) of the validator (2) in which the drive unit (13) is disposed, and a pair of pivot support parts (161) formed on the inner wall of the mounting chamber (21). The drive unit (13) shown in Figure 2 is detachably mounted in the mounting chamber (21) of the validator (2) as shown in Figure 5. That is, the hinge tube (160) of the frame (13b) of the drive unit (13) is detachably and rotatably mounted on the pivot support part (161) of the housing (20) of the validator (2), and the frame (13b) can be rotated around the pivot support part (161) of the validator (2) to accommodate the drive unit (13) in the mounting chamber (21) of the validator (2).

The drive unit (13) may be prevented from being removed from the paper handling device (1) while power is being supplied from a power source linked to the opening and closing of the bottom cover (13a) of the drive unit (13). When the power supply to the paper handling device (1) is stopped once by opening and closing the bottom cover (13a) of the drive unit (13) and then restarted, the terminal search device (401) will quickly detect the connection between the paper handling device (1) or the drive unit (13) and the connection device (25a).

As shown in FIG. 5, when a terminal search device (401) is connected to a connection device (25a) provided in the physical property storage device (25) of the drive unit (13) housed in the mounting chamber (21) of the discriminator (2), the terminal search device (401) can access, search, and retrieve the drive log or warning signal stored in the physical property storage device (25) according to a command signal given to the terminal search device (401) from an input device (405) outside the paper handling device (1), and display the drive log or warning signal on the display device (404) or generate an alarm.

The central management device (300) includes a central storage device (403) that stores the failure rate curve characteristic or failure rate approximation function of the drive unit (13), and a characteristic comparison device (402) that is connected to the central storage device (403) and the terminal search device (401). The characteristic comparison device (402) can compare the physical values of the drive unit (13) received by the terminal search device (401) with the failure rate curve characteristic of the drive unit (13) stored in the central storage device (403) or substitute the physical values of the drive unit (13) into the failure rate approximation function to calculate the closest replacement time for the drive unit (13), and output and display it on the display device (404).

The current degree of deterioration is determined from the cumulative operating physical value of the drive unit (13) read by the terminal search device (401), and by comparing the cumulative operating physical value with the failure rate curve characteristic stored in the central storage device (403) or by substituting the cumulative operating physical value of the drive unit (13) into a failure rate approximation function, the failure rate rise point (T) of the failure rate curve characteristic and the time when the deterioration degree will reach 80% before the wear-out failure period can be predicted.

The validator (2)'s validator sensor (11) reads the image information of the bill or coupon inserted into the paper handling device (1), and the judging device (12) judges whether the bill is genuine or counterfeit. The judging device (12) is also connected to the physical property storage device (25). When a coupon of a specified size is inserted into the validator (2), the validator sensor (11) reads an image length signal, which is sent from the judging device (12) to the physical property storage device (25). The central storage device (403) also stores regular dimensional information of the bill or coupon. The dimensions and shape of coupons issued in casino facilities and collected in a short time maintain regular dimensions and shapes with little deterioration such as wrinkles, and provide the judging device (12) and the physical property storage device (25) with good reference values for measuring the conveying accuracy of the drive unit (13).

Specific coupons, which have limited periods and areas of use, deteriorate less than generally circulated banknotes, and the optical reading dimensions of the identification sensor (11) do not fluctuate. Therefore, when a transport abnormality occurs in the drive unit (13), the identification sensor (11) sends paper image information that deviates from a specified range to the determination device (12) and the physical property memory device (25). When paper image information outside the specified range occurs, the determination device (12) reverses and rotates the identification and transport device (5) forward to identify the paper again. The physical property memory device (25) counts the number of re-identifications, and when the number of re-identifications exceeds a certain number, such as five, it determines that the transport function of the identification and transport device (5) has deteriorated and generates a warning signal.

In addition, when the discrimination sensor (11) detects a banknote longer than a predetermined length, it may determine that the discrimination and conveyance device (5) or the storage and conveyance device (6) has worn out, idling, or slippage, and notify the administrator. For example, when the rubber roller of the discrimination and conveyance device (5) or the storage and conveyance device (6) wears out, the number of rotations of the rubber roller increases, and the banknote is detected as having a longer than average length. When the rubber roller of the discrimination and conveyance device (5) or the storage and conveyance device (6) has idling or slippage, the banknote is detected as having a large variation in average length. The discrimination sensor (11) of the discrimination device (2) may read the barcode of the coupon and check the length, angle, or encoder pulse interval of the coupon to determine the degree of deterioration of the drive unit (13).

The central management device (300) may automatically notify the administrator of the deterioration and need for replacement of the drive unit (13), and may, for example, identify the part to be repaired and present the administrator with a repair method based on the past maintenance and inspection history. The central management device (300) may determine the warranty period from S/N (signal-to-noise) ratio data, display the replacement history, suggest motor replacement from the number of times the motor is operated, determine deterioration from the numerical values of the conveying motor (701) and the pushing motor (702), determine gear wear, determine the degree of deterioration based on the average outside temperature, and check the content and number of return error codes. The central management device (300) may register the content of the error and countermeasures or replacement parts, determine the tendency for repair, and complete maintenance early.

When manufacturing the paper handling device of the present invention, one or more drive sensors (24) that detect physical values in the drive unit (13) and a physical property memory device (25) that stores the physical values detected by the drive sensor (24) are provided in the drive unit (13). Next, the drive unit (13) having the drive sensor (24) and the physical property memory device (25) is detachably mounted in the mounting chamber (21) of the validator (2) that validates the authenticity of paper sheets, thereby forming a validator transport path (10) along the drive unit (13) that transports paper sheets in the validator (2).

Therefore, the method of indicating the deterioration degree of a paper handling device of the present invention includes the steps of providing the drive unit (13) with one or more drive sensors (24) that detect physical values in the drive unit (13) and a physical property memory device (25) that stores the physical values detected by the drive sensor (24); detachably mounting the drive unit (13) having the drive sensor (24) and the physical property memory device (25) in a validator (2) that validates the authenticity of paper sheets; transporting multiple paper sheets by the drive unit (13) along a validator transport path (10) formed in the validator (2); searching for the physical values stored in the physical property memory device (25) by a terminal search device (401) to extract the physical values; and displaying the extracted physical values on a display device (404).

The method for displaying the deterioration level of a paper handling device of the present invention may further include a step of inputting the physical value searched by the terminal search device (401) to the characteristic comparison device (402), a step of comparing the failure rate curve characteristic of the drive unit (13) stored in the central storage device (403) with the physical value received by the characteristic comparison device (402) or substituting the physical value received by the characteristic comparison device (402) into the failure rate approximation function of the drive unit (13) stored in the central storage device (403), and a step of calculating the imminent replacement time for the physical value of the drive unit (13) by the characteristic comparison device (402) and displaying the imminent replacement time on the display device (404).

In the embodiment of the present invention, a method for detecting wear due to the total operating time of the drive unit (13), fatigue accumulation due to the cumulative number of repeated operations, overcurrent damage due to repeated overload, heat damage in a high temperature environment, abnormal decrease in operating speed, abnormal decrease in operating acceleration, and failure due to sticking (cogging), slipping, and slipping has been described. However, other mechanical or electrical failures, malfunctions, or operational defects of the drive unit (13) can be detected by the drive sensor (24) and stored in the physical property storage device (25). When the failure time or number of failures exceeds a certain level, a warning signal can be generated from the physical property storage device (25) to motivate replacement of the drive unit (13).

The embodiment of the present invention can be modified. For example, when the fluctuation rate of the motor control value of the classification conveying device (5) or the storage conveying device (6) exceeds 10%, it may be determined that dirt or wear has occurred in the gears, belts, or rollers, and a notification may be given to the administrator. In addition, the average speed when the motor is driven with a constant torque may be measured by an encoder to quantify the conveying load of the classification conveying device (5) or the storage conveying device (6). As an alternative, the time it takes for the motor to reach the target speed may be measured to quantify the conveying load of the classification conveying device (5) or the storage conveying device (6). In addition, the customer code and the shipping date may be written and stored in the physical property storage device (25) of the drive unit (13) before the paper handling device (1) is shipped. The warranty period of the paper handling device (1) or the drive unit (13) can be determined, and the resale of used items of the equipment can be suppressed.

Although not shown, the central management device (300) may notify the mobile terminal of the paper sheet handling device (1) or the manager of the facility where the paper sheet handling device (1) is installed of the physical value of the drive unit (13) or the replacement of the drive unit (13). The manager of the paper sheet handling device (1) can show the physical value of the drive unit (13) to the manager of the facility to prove that the quality of the paper sheet handling device (1) is being maintained. In addition, since the physical property storage device (25) stores unique identification information of the drive unit (13) or the paper sheet handling device (1), when the physical value of the drive unit (13) stored in the physical property storage device (25) is an abnormal value, the manager can investigate the actual usage environment of the drive unit (13) or the paper sheet handling device (1).

The paper sheet handling device of the present invention can be used in various technical fields that use paper sheets such as banknotes, for example, game machines, automated teller machines, ticket vending machines, settlement machines, or vending machines. The game machine management device of the present invention can be used in various technical fields that manage multiple game machines, for example, entertainment facilities, gaming facilities, or casino facilities.

(1) Paper handling device, (2) Identification device, (3) Storage device, (5) Identification and conveying device, (6) Storage and conveying device, (8) Power transmission device, (10) Identification and conveying passage, (11) Identification sensor, (12) Judgment device, (13) Drive unit, (13a) Bottom cover, (13b) Frame, (14) Entrance, (20) Housing, (21) Mounting chamber, (23) Pinion, (24) Drive sensor, (25) Physical property storage device, (25a) Connection device, (36) Drive belt, (45) Timing encoder, (46) Entrance roller, (61a) Waiting chamber, (62) Push-in device, (79) Storage chamber, (160) Hinge cylinder, (161) - Pivot support portion, (200) - Game machine, (241) - Transport counter (transport sensor), (242) - Transport current meter (transport sensor), (243) - Transport temperature sensor (transport sensor), (244) - Transport timer (transport sensor), (245) - Transport acceleration sensor (transport sensor), (246) - Transport speed sensor (transport sensor), (251) - Storage counter (storage sensor), (252) - Storage current meter (storage sensor), (253) - Storage temperature sensor (storage sensor), (254) - Storage timer (storage sensor), (255) - Storage acceleration sensor (storage sensor), (256) - Storage speed sensor (storage sensor), (300) - Central control unit, (361) - Front drive belt, (362) - Rear drive belt, (701) - Transport motor, (702) - Push motor, (401) Terminal search device, (402) Characteristics comparison device, (403) Central storage device, (404) Display device, (405) Input device

Claims (23)

The apparatus includes a validator for validating the authenticity of paper sheets, a validator conveyance path formed within the validator, and a drive unit detachably mounted within the validator,
A paper handling device characterized in that a drive unit that transports paper sheets within a validation device along a validation transport path is equipped with one or more drive sensors that detect physical values within the drive unit, and a physical property memory device that stores the physical values detected by the drive sensors. The physical property storage device stores the physical values in the drive unit detected by the drive sensor as a drive log in which the physical values are quantified, scored, or graded;
2. The paper handling device according to claim 1, wherein the amount of change in the physical value from the drive sensor indicates a degree of deterioration of the drive unit. The paper handling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the physical property storage device further stores unique identification information that identifies the drive unit or paper handling device to which the physical property storage device is attached. The paper handling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the physical property storage device further stores the past maintenance and inspection history of the drive unit. The drive sensor further includes a timing encoder for measuring an amount of operation time of the drive unit;
3. The paper handling device according to claim 1, wherein the physical property storage device stores a drive log from the drive sensor together with the operation amount time of the drive unit measured by the timing encoder. The drive unit includes a discrimination conveying device that conveys the paper sheets inserted into the discrimination device along a discrimination conveying path,
The classification and transportation device has a transportation sensor that detects a physical value in the classification and transportation device,
The drive log includes a transport log in which a physical value detected by the transport sensor from the identification transport device is quantified, scored, or graded,
The timing encoder measures the operation time of the identification and conveyance device,
6. The paper handling device according to claim 5, wherein the physical property storage device stores a transport log from the transport sensor together with the operation time of the discriminating transport device measured by the timing encoder. The paper handling device includes a storage device that stores the paper sheets transported along the classification transport path,
The drive unit has a storage and conveyance device that stores the paper sheets in a storage chamber of the storage device,
The storage and transport device has a storage sensor that detects a physical value within the storage and transport device,
The drive log includes a storage log in which the physical values detected by the storage sensor from the storage transport device are quantified, scored, or graded;
The timing encoder measures the operation time of the storage and transport device,
6. The paper sheet handling device according to claim 5, wherein the physical property storage device stores a storage log from the storage sensor together with the operation time of the storage and transport device measured by the timing encoder. The discriminator/conveyer of the drive unit includes a drive belt for conveying paper sheets, a conveyor motor for driving the drive belt, and a power transmission device for transmitting the driving force of the conveyor motor to the drive belt;
7. A paper handling apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a drive unit, which is constituted by a single connecting assembly in which the drive belt, the conveying motor and the power transmission device are integrated, is accommodated in a mounting chamber of the housing of the validator. The identification device includes a housing, a mounting chamber formed in the housing in which the drive unit is disposed, and a pair of pivot support portions formed on the housing.
The hinge cylinder of the frame of the drive unit is detachably and rotatably attached to the pivot support part of the housing of the discrimination device;
When the frame is rotated around the hinge cylinder of the validation device, the drive unit is housed in the attachment chamber of the validation device,
3. A paper handling device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein a terminal search device is connected to a connection device of the physical property storage device of the drive unit housed in the mounting chamber of the validation device, an input device is connected to the terminal search device, and the drive log of the physical property storage device is retrieved from the terminal search device by a command signal from the input device. A paper handling device includes a validator for validating the authenticity of paper sheets, a validator transport path formed within the validator, and a drive unit removably mounted within the validator, each drive unit transporting paper sheets along the validator transport path within the validator,
Each paper handling device is individually connected to a central control device for communication.
Each drive unit includes a drive sensor that detects a physical value in the drive unit, and a physical property storage device that stores unique identification information that identifies the drive unit or the paper handling device together with the detected physical value;
Each driving unit transmits the physical values and unique identification information stored in the physical property storage device to the central management device via the connection device;
A paper handling device characterized in that the central management device is equipped with a terminal search device that receives physical values and unique identification information within each drive unit transmitted from a physical property memory device via a connection device, a central memory device that stores failure rate curve characteristics or failure rate approximation functions for each drive unit, and a characteristic comparison device that compares the physical values within each drive unit received by the terminal search device with the failure rate curve characteristics of each drive unit stored in the central memory device or substitutes the physical values of the drive unit into the failure rate approximation function, and calculates the imminent replacement time of the drive unit based on the failure rate increase point on the failure rate curve characteristic or failure rate approximation function. The physical property storage device stores a driving log in which physical values in the drive unit detected by the drive sensor are quantified, scored, or graded;
The connection device transmits the drive log stored in the physical property storage device and the unique identification information of the drive unit or the paper handling device to the terminal search device;
The terminal search device receives the driving log and the unique identification information transmitted by the connection device,
The paper handling device of claim 10, wherein the characteristic comparison device compares the driving log received by the terminal search device with the failure rate curve characteristics of the drive unit stored in the central storage device, or substitutes the physical values of the drive unit into a failure rate approximation function to calculate the imminent replacement time of the drive unit. The drive unit further includes a timing encoder for measuring an amount of operation time of the drive unit;
11. The paper handling device according to claim 10, wherein the physical property storage device stores a drive log from the drive sensor together with the operation amount time of the drive unit measured by the timing encoder. The paper handling device according to claim 10, wherein the central management device is equipped with a display device that displays the drive log received by the terminal search device, the unique identification information, and the latest replacement time for the drive unit. The drive unit includes a discrimination conveying device that conveys the paper sheets inserted into the discrimination device along a discrimination conveying path, and a conveying sensor that detects a physical value in the discrimination conveying device;
The drive log includes a transport log in which a physical value detected by the transport sensor from the identification transport device is quantified, scored, or graded,
The timing encoder measures the operation time of the identification and conveyance device,
13. The paper sheet handling device according to claim 12, wherein the physical property storage device stores a transport log from the transport sensor together with the operation time of the discriminating transport device measured by the timing encoder. The drive unit includes a storage and conveyance device that stores the paper sheets conveyed along the classification and conveyance path in a storage chamber of the storage device, and a storage sensor that detects a physical value within the storage and conveyance device;
The drive log includes a storage log in which the physical values detected by the storage sensor from the storage transport device are quantified, scored, or graded;
The timing encoder measures the operation time of the storage and transport device,
13. The paper sheet handling device according to claim 12, wherein the physical property storage device stores a storage log from the storage sensor together with the operation time of the storage and transport device measured by the timing encoder. The game system includes a plurality of game machines each equipped with a paper handling device, and a central management device communicatively connected to each game machine or each paper handling device,
Each paper handling device includes a validator for validating the authenticity of paper sheets, a validator transport path formed within the validator, a drive unit removably mounted within the validator for transporting paper sheets along the validator transport path, a validator sensor for reading image information of the paper sheets moving along the validator transport path, and a discrimination device for receiving the image information from the validator sensor and determining the authenticity of the paper sheets,
The drive unit includes a drive sensor that detects a physical value in the drive unit, and a physical property storage device that stores unique identification information that identifies the drive unit or the paper handling device together with the detected physical value;
The central management device is a game machine management device characterized by comprising: a terminal search device that searches for and receives physical values and unique identification information stored in a physical property memory device of the drive unit; a central memory device that stores a failure rate curve characteristic or a failure rate approximation function of the drive unit; and a characteristic comparison device that compares the physical values of the drive unit received by the terminal search device with the failure rate curve characteristic of the drive unit stored in the central memory device or substitutes the physical values of the drive unit into the failure rate approximation function to calculate the imminent replacement time of the drive unit. The drive sensor detects a physical value in the drive unit, and transmits a drive log in which the physical value is quantified, scored or graded to the physical property storage device, and stores the drive log in the physical property storage device; or the drive sensor detects a physical value in the drive unit and transmits it to the physical property storage device, and the physical property storage device creates a drive log in which the received physical value is quantified, scored or graded, and stores the drive log;
The terminal search device receives the driving log stored in the physical property storage device and the unique identification information of the driving unit or the paper handling device,
The game machine management device according to claim 16, wherein the characteristic comparison device calculates the immediate replacement time of the drive unit by comparing the drive log received by the terminal search device with the failure rate curve characteristic of the drive unit stored in the central storage device or by substituting the physical value of the drive unit into the failure rate approximation function. The drive sensor further includes a timing encoder for measuring an amount of operation time of the drive unit;
18. The game machine management device according to claim 17, wherein the physical property storage device stores a drive log from the drive sensor together with the operation amount time of the drive unit measured by the timing encoder. The game machine management device according to claim 17, wherein the central management device is equipped with a display device that displays the drive log, unique identification information, and the latest replacement time of the drive unit received by the terminal search device. The game machine management device according to claim 17, wherein the central management device stores the unique identification information of the drive unit mounted on the game machine in association with the unique identification information of the game machine. The judgment device of the validator reads the image information of the inserted paper and judges the authenticity of the paper,
A game machine management device as described in any of claims 17 to 20, wherein when the reading dimensions of a paper sheet of a specified size inserted into a paper sheet handling device deviate from a specified range, the determination device generates an error signal, reverses and rotates the drive unit forward, and again determines the authenticity of the paper sheet, and the physical property memory device stores the number of times the determination device has determined the authenticity of the paper sheet as a drive log. providing the drive unit with one or more drive sensors for detecting physical values in the drive unit and a physical property storage device for storing the physical values detected by the drive sensors;
a step of detachably mounting a drive unit having a drive sensor and a physical property storage device in a validator for validating the authenticity of paper sheets;
a step of conveying a plurality of paper sheets by a drive unit along a discrimination conveyance path formed in the drive discrimination device;
A step of retrieving the physical values stored in the physical property storage device by a terminal retrieval device to retrieve the physical values;
and displaying the extracted physical value on a display device. inputting the physical values searched for by the terminal search device into a characteristic comparison device;
comparing the received physical value with the failure rate curve characteristic of the drive unit stored in the central storage device or substituting the physical value of the drive unit into a failure rate approximation function by the characteristic comparison device;
and calculating when the drive unit will most likely need replacing and displaying the calculated replacement time on a display device.